Lice eaters in cats: symptoms and treatment

What are lice eaters?

Lice-eaters or wool-eaters are parasitic insects belonging to the order of lice. There are different species of lice eaters that infect cattle, sheep, horses, and domestic cats and dogs. In total, about 120 species of these ectoparasites (living on the surface of the body) live in Russia.

The lice beetle is a small beetle with a flat body measuring about 2 mm (some individuals reach 10 mm). These are light yellow insects (as opposed to the dark color of fleas) with six legs, which they use to hold onto the animal's hairs.

They feed on blood, particles of the epidermis, and secretions of the cat’s sebaceous glands. This is a parasite, so it can cause the animal a lot of discomfort, as well as provoke skin scratching, which is a gateway to infections, hyperkeratosis and other diseases.

We recommend reading the article about why a cat may scratch itself until it hurts.

Who are the lice eaters?

The lice eater is a parasite, a carrier of pathogenic microorganisms. People around who come into contact with a cat that has such parasites run the risk of becoming infected with them, and this risk is quite high. With this in mind, owners should be aware of what these parasites may look like externally and what symptom or symptoms may indicate them.

Vlasoedov can be seen with the naked eye

If you have such information, you can take timely measures to get rid of lice eaters. Thus, you will not only rid your pet of parasites, but also prevent them from infecting all the inhabitants of your house or apartment.

In Latin they are called Felicola subrostratus. This type of parasite belongs to the family Trichodectes, giving them a place in the group of biting insects. Another existing group includes blood-sucking pests.

For your information! If you look closely, the lice eater can be seen with the naked eye. It has a flat shape, three pairs of legs and a large head when compared with the body. The length of such a louse is 1-2 mm.

The body of the pest is yellowish. The color can also be light gray. Some types are translucent. The lice eater in cats has jaws that can be compared to hooks with which it clings to the skin and fur of the cat. Pests feed on keratin plates of the epidermis and hair. The disease they can cause in animals is called trichodectosis.

The reproduction process of Felicola subrostratus is the same as that of head lice. Parasites lay eggs. One individual can lay up to 100 pieces. The lice eaters glue their offspring to the roots of the animal's hair with special mucus. After 2-5 weeks, lice hatch from the larvae.

Danger and consequences for cats

Infection with lice eaters is called trichodectosis (mallophagosis). Insects make your cat itchy, so she scratches her skin vigorously. Hair falls out at the site of scratching, and hyperkeratosis may develop - a thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

The presence of parasites on the body can cause allergic reactions in a cat; if there is a massive infection, the animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, and loses its appetite.

If a cat has chronic pathologies, then infection with lice eaters can provoke their exacerbation.

Lice eaters not only cause pain and discomfort to the cat, but are also carriers of the larvae of other parasitic organisms, for example, the pumpkin or cucumber tapeworm. This tapeworm, which causes the dangerous disease dipilidia, lives not only in the body of animals, but also in humans. This type of helminthiasis can be transmitted from pets to humans through close contact.

Lice eaters under a microscope

How to identify lice eaters in a cat

It is difficult to immediately determine that a cat is infected. At the first stage, lice eaters in cats show virtually no symptoms, hiding in the lower layer of the undercoat. Select the head and neck area. As their numbers increase, the signs become more obvious. Parasites spread throughout the body.

The owner may suspect that the cat has lice eaters based on the following symptoms:

• The cat is feeling restless and scratching due to itching. Therefore, he is in constant stress.
• Insomnia may occur.
• Scratches are visible when the cat injures itself while scratching.
• The cat's coat thins, becomes dull, unkempt, and dandruff appears.
• Bald patches form in areas where parasites are most concentrated.

Transmission routes and risk factors

The appearance of lice-eaters is possible at any age, regardless of gender or seasons. Parasites are transmitted by contact when communicating with a carrier. This could be another cat, a dog, large pets and livestock, as well as rodents that the cat hunts. If a mother cat is infected with lice eaters, then they move onto the kittens.

In rare cases, it is possible that eggs or larvae of lice beetles may be transmitted on poorly sterilized tools used by the groomer.

Meeting parasites does not always lead to infection. If the cat receives good care and a balanced diet, then its immunity will allow it to cope with infection.

Animals whose immune systems, for one reason or another, do not function well enough, are at greater risk of contracting parasitic insects. This applies to small kittens and very elderly cats. Immunity may decrease after an infectious disease or surgery.

There are insufficient protective forces in animals that have severe chronic pathologies.

General rules and methods of treating a pet

The fight against lice eaters is in many ways similar to the actions when removing lice. If you suspect an infestation with tiny parasites, it is important to carefully examine the animal's skin and fur: if there is a large concentration of insects, they are easy to detect. Warmth and sunlight help identify biting pests.

Do not hesitate, use untested methods, or save money on treating your pet. A visit to the veterinarian is the best solution when fighting lice eaters. The doctor will offer a whole arsenal of compounds that are harmful to parasites, but safe for the cat. The later treatment is started, the more the sick animal will suffer from parasite bites.

Preparations in the form of shampoo, spray, spot treatment solution, or emulsion will help get rid of biting insects. Some drugs need to be poured or dripped onto the withers so that the animal cannot lick off the powder or liquid. If the rules are strictly followed, medicinal compositions quickly show positive results.

When selecting a medicine, the veterinarian takes into account several parameters:

• age of the animal;
• toxicity of the drug;
• number of lice eaters;
• the presence of chronic diseases in the pet;
• skin sensitivity, tendency to allergies.

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Effective drugs:

• Frontline Combo is an effective medicinal insecticidal and acaricidal preparation in the form of a solution for spot use (from 0.5 to 7 ml per package) and a spray with a volume of 100 and 250 ml. The product destroys fleas, lice, lice, ticks. The drug penetrates into the subcutaneous fat layer of pets and has a detrimental effect on the nervous system of parasites. After a while, the biting insects die.
• Advantage for cats. Drops made in Germany. The veterinary drug is packaged in convenient plastic pipettes. The volume of the product is 0.4 and 0.8 ml. The insecticidal drug affects lice eaters, fleas, and ticks.
• Leopard. Insect-acaricidal drops are made on the basis of fipronil. Polymer dropper pipettes facilitate application of the composition. The drug is not absorbed into the blood, accumulates in the sebaceous glands, subcutaneous layer, and for a long time has a detrimental effect on many harmful insects and arthropods that live on dogs and cats. After a violation of nervous regulation, paralysis, the death of biting insects occurs.
• Stronghold. The transparent, slightly yellowish solution contains the active substance selamectin. The composition for external use is contained in convenient pipettes for spot treatment of skin and fur. The product fights pathogens of ear scabies and flea dermatitis. The veterinary drug is effective against ticks, lice and fleas. The product is well absorbed and protects cats from reinfestation for three to four weeks.

Rules of application:

• Some formulations require a single application. If there are a large number of parasites, the skin and fur of the sick animal are re-treated;
• in summer, secondary treatment is carried out after 10 days; in winter, emulsion, powder or spray will have to be applied after 14 days;
• the dosage and concentration of antiparasitic agents is determined by the veterinarian, taking into account the instructions and the degree of infestation by lice eaters;
• Before processing, the owner puts on thin rubber gloves, carries out the procedure, and thoroughly washes his hands with soap. Dead parasites should be combed out in good light to remove as many adults and larvae as possible;
• Be sure to cover the treatment area with a cloth, and after the procedure, throw away the material with dead pests and lice eggs;
• Apply the spray against the growth of the fur, making sure that the vapor does not get into the eyes;
• When using shampoo, it is important to create a dense foam and wait 5–10 minutes for the drug to take effect. Cats rarely like water procedures: be sure to take an assistant to make the task easier. It is very difficult to wash a cat with medicated shampoo on your own.

Symptoms of infection

Signs of infestation with lice eaters are:

• The cat constantly licks itself, itches furiously, bites into the fur with its teeth;
• When examined, scratches, wounds, and bite marks are found on the cat’s body;
• Areas of the body where hair had fallen out and bald spots appeared.

You should also keep an eye on the cat. Symptoms such as lethargy, loss of interest in games, excessive excitability, and restlessness for no apparent reason may indicate infection with parasites.

The cat's character may deteriorate sharply; it stops responding to the words and actions of the owner. Severe skin itching can greatly spoil an animal's mood and even deprive it of sleep.

Mr. Cat recommends: treatment and care for a sick cat

If you find lice eaters on your pet's fur, you must first show it to a veterinarian. He will examine the cat and determine the type of infection. After this, special means will be prescribed to destroy parasitic insects.

Such drugs contain toxic substances, so they should be used correctly, in recommended dosages. After treating an animal’s fur with an antiparasitic agent, it is recommended to put a special collar on its neck, which will prevent the drug from being licked off and protect the pet from poisoning.

Treatment against lice must be carried out at least twice. Insects lay eggs (nits), which may not be affected by the product. As a rule, adults and larvae die under the influence of the drug the first time.

After about 10 days, the treatment should be repeated to destroy the larvae that have hatched from the eggs, but have not yet reached the adult stage.

If it is not possible to take your cat to the veterinarian, then you can try treatment for lice at home. Parasites can be removed using products sold in pet stores and animal pharmacies.

They are available in the following forms:

• drops (Barrier, Bars, Celandine, Frontline, Hartz);
• sprays (Acaromectin, Bolfo, Frontline);
• special shampoos (Bolfo, Demos Lux, Bars);
• emulsions (Bionix, Merial).

Remedies for ectoparasites can be easily purchased at any pet store, but their use requires great caution. They are toxic and can harm the cat, so when using them you must strictly follow the instructions.

The owner must be especially careful in treating the kitten.

Also, some owners try to cure parasite infestations using traditional methods. They are not as effective as pharmaceutical drugs, but in cases where the disease is detected at the initial stage and there are few insects, they can help. It is recommended to get rid of hairworms using decoctions of plants such as chamomile, string, and wormwood. The cat should be bathed in it.

If there are too many insects and they actively reproduce, then such methods will not have an effect.

If your cat has scratches or lesions on the skin, then after the first treatment with an antiparasitic agent, it is necessary to treat them. The wounds should be washed daily with an antiseptic solution. In cases where the damage is extensive, you can apply a sterile bandage, and then change it regularly after treating with an antiseptic.

Don't let your cat lick its wounds.

In the most severe cases, when damaged skin becomes infected, more serious measures may be required. The doctor may even prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Ways to get rid of hair lice

Treatment aimed at eliminating lice in cats involves the use of insecticides. Antiparasitic agents can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy in the form of shampoo, drops, spray or emulsion.

For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to use the drugs 2-4 times. After all, many insecticides do not kill lice eaters in domestic cats the first time.

To choose the best remedy for lice eaters, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. The doctor will assess the degree of infection and select the safest but most effective drug.

Drops

To get rid of lice in cats, drops are often used. The product is applied to areas of the skin that the cat cannot lick. This is the longitudinal line of the spine and withers.

This medicine will protect the animal from harmful insects for 30 days. After a month, the drug is used again.

If a cat's hair eater appears, then use the following drops:

Other types of drops are no less popular for ectoparasites in cats. These are ZPIP (Fiprex), Pfizer, IN-AP complex.

Emulsions

If your cat has lice, you can use insecticides produced in the form of an emulsion. The medicine obtained after diluting the concentrate with water is rubbed into the pet’s skin (withers, spine, neck).

How to remove lice beetles from cats is written in the instructions for the medications.

Popular emulsions:

1. Merial;
2. Agrovet protection;
3. Pfizer;
4. Impex;
5. Bayer;
6. Bionics.

Sprays

Another way to treat lice in pets is to use a spray. The aerosol is sprayed over the entire body of the animal, avoiding getting the medicine into the eyes, mouth or nose.

In a couple of hours we need to buy a cat. It is advisable to reapply the spray after a week.

The disadvantage of insecticides in aerosol form is that it is necessary to ensure that the cat does not lick the fur after it has been treated.

Effective spray against lice for cats - Greenfort. Other popular products are Rosagroservis, Bayer.

Shampoos

A variety of shampoos are considered the safest remedy for lice in cats.

But insecticides produced in this form are not effective enough. After all, after the first bath, ectoparasites do not disappear completely.

Benefits of anti-parasite shampoo:

1. provide hair care;
2. eliminate inflammation;
3. moisturize the skin;
4. eliminate itching;
5. do not cause allergies.

How to rid a kitten of lice-eaters using shampoo is written in the instructions included with the product. The insecticide is applied to wet wool and left there for 5 minutes. Then wash everything off with warm water.

Today the following insectoacaricidal shampoos are used - Ms Kiss, Lugovoy, BIO-GROOM, Fitoelita, Celandine. The drugs Lapushka, Rolf Club, and BioVax also have positive reviews.

Folk remedies

For lice in small kittens and adult cats prone to allergies, you can use folk remedies. Treatment of parasitosis at home is carried out using herbal decoctions.

Chamomile, wormwood, wild garlic or string are often used. These herbs contain essential oils that repel pests.

But traditional methods are effective only in the initial stages of the disease.

If there are a large number of wool beetles, home therapy will be ineffective.

Video

Treatment for ectoparasites of small domestic animals

Prevention of lice-eater infestation

Today, special collars containing insecticides and protecting animals from various ectoparasites are becoming increasingly popular. Such accessories can also be used to get rid of ectoparasites, but in this regard they are not so effective. But they can very effectively repel fleas, ticks, lice eaters and other insects that prefer to live on cats.

To prevent parasite infection, it is recommended to follow the following preventive measures:

• regularly use special anti-parasitic shampoos, sprays or drops, treat the animal’s fur, especially if it walks outside;
• periodically inspect your pet (lice eaters are heat-loving insects, so to see them, you need to place the cat closer to the heat source and wait a little);
• periodically wash the bedding and blankets on which the cat prefers to lie;
• undergo regular examinations at a veterinary clinic.

In addition, if possible, the pet should be protected from contact with infected animals, fed rationally, and properly cared for.

Getting rid of lice eaters is not difficult, and it is necessary to do this if the cat is infected. These insects cause serious discomfort to your pet and can cause various diseases. After treatment, you should thoroughly wash the cat’s bed, house and other things, and treat surfaces in the house with an insecticide (with caution to avoid poisoning animals and small children).

The danger of lice-eating cats for human health

There is no need to be afraid of lice-eaters parasitizing humans, but accidental parasite bites are possible in close contact with an infected cat, which can result in:

• development of an allergic reaction;
• cucumber tapeworm infection;
• infection with bacteria or fungi.

Children are especially vulnerable, so they are not allowed to interact with an infected cat until it is treated.

Lice eaters are carriers of dipylidia

Precautions when caring for a sick cat

Precautionary measures are simple, since modern means quickly destroy lice eaters:

• it is necessary to treat the cat with the drug (spray or drops) as quickly as possible;
• carry out processing with gloves and a disposable cape to avoid contact with parasites;
• the cat must be isolated until the parasites are destroyed;
• To destroy lice eaters, as well as their eggs, wet cleaning is carried out in the apartment with wiping of surfaces with solutions: Neostomazan 2%;
• Ecocide;
• Ectomina;